THE University of Teesside could lose £2m under Government plans to axe funding for students studying a second degree.

The Government wants to re-direct £100m in funding, in September, from students taking a second undergraduate degree to first degree students.

The university would lose £2m in teaching funding, and would be one of the hardest hit universities in the North-east.

Trade unions, universities, students, opposition parties and British industry have all condemned the proposed changes.

Opponents say the plans, announced without consultation, contradict the Government’s lifelong learning agenda and will hit universities offering courses to adults and part-time students the hardest.

A select committee of MPs has been set up to investigate the proposals.

Professor Graham Henderson, vice-chancellor at the University of Teesside, said: “We are very concerned about the Government’s proposals on Equivalent Level Qualifications.

“We unreservedly share the aspiration of ministers to develop the highest possible level of skills among our population and we believe that crucial aspiration would be badly damaged by the present proposals.

“We are working hard to draw the attention of ministers and local MPs to the concerns that we and other universities share and we hope that our message receives a positive response.

“The figures quoted are accurate if the university were to take no action.

“However, our constant innovation in course development, which has contributed to the recent outstanding success of the university will continue. We are confident at being able to react successfully to changes in methods of funding, were these proposals to be introduced.”

Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, said: “We are redirecting £100 million over three years from funding students studying for second degrees to support even more getting a first degree. And with 70% of the adult workforce without a first degree, this has to be the right priority.”